Can You Still Get Compensation if the Driver Left the Scene in Colorado?

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Car Accident

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims with questions and damages. One of the most pressing concerns is how you will pay for your financial losses. Even if the person responsible disappears, you still have legal options. Colorado law provides ways for you to recover compensation through sources other than the at-fault driver. An experienced Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer can help. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we will guide you through the claims process and help you prepare for a lawsuit if necessary.

What Should You Do Right After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Colorado?

Colorado law, under C.R.S. § 42-4-1601, requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, exchange information, and help anyone who is hurt. When a driver leaves, they break the law, and that can strengthen your case for compensation. What you do in the first few minutes and days after the crash can make a big difference in your case.

For example, you should always contact the police immediately. A police report will be crucial for your insurance claim. If you saw the crash happen, try to write down or record details. For instance, what was the other vehicle’s color, make, model, and direction of travel? If you did not see what happened, find out if anyone else did and ask for their contact information. Take photos of your car, your injuries, and the surrounding area. This evidence could help prove that another driver was responsible for the accident.

Can You File an Insurance Claim if the Other Driver is Unknown?

In Colorado, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you in exactly this situation. According to § 10-4-609, every auto insurer must offer UM coverage unless you reject it in writing. It pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be found.

You will need to show that another vehicle caused the crash and that you were not at fault. That is where the evidence you collected after the crash and the police report will be useful. Other steps to take that could strengthen your claim include:

• Notify your insurer as soon as possible.

• Get medical treatment and keep copies of your records and bills.

• Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.

• Keep receipts for car repairs, towing, and rental vehicles.

• Follow up regularly with your insurance adjuster for updates.

• Consult a car accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

If your insurance company delays or denies your claim, an attorney can negotiate or take legal action to protect your rights.

What if You Do Not Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

If you do not carry UM coverage, you may still have options. Collision coverage can pay for repairs to your vehicle, and medical payments (MedPay) coverage can help with hospital bills. You may also have a claim against another responsible party, such as the vehicle’s owner or an employer if the driver was working at the time of the crash.

You must act within the time limits set by § 13-80-101. This law generally gives you three years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the car accident. Waiting too long can prevent you from recovering damages, even if you have strong evidence.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Larimer County, CO Car Accident Attorney

You should not have to pay for someone else’s recklessness. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our team provides personalized support to injured drivers throughout Northern Colorado. Attorney Darby Hoggatt is a proud member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association, demonstrating his commitment to advocacy and ongoing education in injury law.

We are here to help you understand your rights and protect your claim. Call 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation with our Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer today. We will get to work immediately to help alleviate the financial burdens common in car accidents. Se Habla Español.